Pregnancy Research 2008

Our featured research news in 2008 looked at new treatment approaches, prevention strategies, drug research, and changes in medical care. The studies also reflected the changes in medical industry to decrease unnecessary costs without cutting care. Here is a quick recap on pregnancy research featured from 2008.

Pregancy News

This year’s pregnancy topics covered pregnancy from conception, through a healthy pregnancy, to baby’s health. A happy pregnancy was assisted with healthy habits and alternative treatments.

There was good news for
survivors of childhood cancer
. Danish researchers found that there was no greater number of birth complication for women that had childhood cancer than those women without cancer histories.

Acupuncture was shown to
improve the rate of pregnancy
in women receiving IVF when done in conjunction with standard medical treatment.

Yoga participation
appears to have helped
some moms improve labor comfort, shorten labor time, and shorten the first stage of labor.

Some mothers reduce or stop
asthma
medication during pregnancy for fears of effect on the baby. However, researchers found that mother’s with poor asthma control were
more likely to have a pre-term birth
than mothers that had good control.

The caffeine debate continues. In a study from the UK, researchers found that higher amounts of caffeine (more than eight ounces per day)
may be associated with
lower birth weights for babies.

There was more support for breastfeeding when a study from Canada found that breastfed babies were
more likely to score higher
on verbal intelligence tests.

Researchers determined in another study that blankets covering an infant’s head
increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS). They also found that normal baby movements are likely to cause a blanket to slide up and cover the baby’s face and head.

How Does This Affect You?

Pregnancy and delivery is different for each person. Work with your doctor to help you through your pregnancy and to create a birth plan. For many women, a plan can decrease anxiety and stress. If you are on medication or take supplements be sure to discuss these with your doctor before pregnancy. You can take several steps to reduce the chance of
SIDS
. This includes placing the baby to sleep on their backs, keeping blankets, toys, and pillows out of the crib, and using approved sleeping furniture and mattresses.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.